National Accountability Adviser– Resilient Livelihoods at Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO)

Role Overview

Working at project location – In this role, you will provide on-site support in the project location and/or VSO office, (full-time unless otherwise specified) for a set period of time.

VSO’s VFD Accountability Pillar conceptualizes accountability through two inter-related processes viz., forward accountability (FA) and social accountability (SA). Whereas FA, conceptualized in VSO as the Measuring Impact for Learning and Empowerment (MILE) methodology is primarily aimed at increasing programmatic accountability towards primary actors and other stakeholders, SA on the other hand involves VSO supporting primary actors to hold to account duty bearers either in public or private entities. Both approaches to accountability promote a culture of accountability which promote VSO’s mission and increase the impact of development interventions. Located within a project or grant, both approaches share a common pathway towards greater accountability. Whereas MILE focuses on the internal accountability of VSO in its programmatic and operational designs, SA focuses on the accountability of external duty bearer entities, within both the public and private spheres. Whereas MILE centres on VSO’s moral obligation towards primary actors and the need to cultivate credibility and legitimacy with them, SA is, on the other hand, predicated on the social contract in which duty bearers are duty-bound to provide services to citizens/primary actors in a way that is responsive, effective and accountable. The main purpose for this role is to facilitate the deepening of the accountability pillar within our Resilient Livelihoods programmatic interventions. Specifically, the role holder will be expected to support our Livelihoods programme staff, partners, volunteers and primary actors to implement programmatic activities in ways which will promote greater accountability to primary actors and other stakeholders.

Knowledge/qualifications

Skills, qualifications and experience

• Degree or equivalent in a related field, with significant experience of using various accountability tools.
• Knowledge of social, programmatic and organisational accountability.

Experience

• Experience in applying accountability to practical service delivery challenges faced by communities.
• Experience in resilient livelihoods would be an added advantage.